BANARAS: SEEN FROM WITHIN

Each city has its own personality; but, Varanasi has a distinct and unique This study aims to capture this magnetic pull of Varanasi by studying the
personality of lifestyle, traditions and culture preserved in its Ghats. The
descendant of stairs that lead to the sacred river; Ganges has emerged as a
response to religious, spiritual and social needs of the human settlements
along the water edges. At dawn, it becomes a space for holy rituals, early
strolls, bathing and washing. Vendors put out their boards, artists lay out their
work and boatsman gear up to another day of jumping on any breathing
soul.. As day goes by, young vendors with handfuls of pens or balloons
persuade customers with their undeniable hovering. This space has stood
the test of time and effectively accommodates any living soul irrespective of
their nationality, age or gender.
activities that take place in the Ghats of Varanasi; Pandey Ghat. It is the 32nd
ghat out of the 84 ghats in Varanasi. It is named after Babua Pandey who
was a famous wrestler of Varanasi, and had established a famous wrestling
arena known as “akhada”. Prior to this, the ghat was known as Sarweshwara
Ghat. The place has been dominated prominently by Dhobi’s who use this
ghat to wash and dry clothes. Therefore, this study aims to study the space
through plans, sections and understand the human interactions through the
documented sketches of human activities that go around Pandey Ghat.

INTRODUCTION

SECTION A
ISOMETRIC VIEW

SECTION B
PERSPECTIVE
MORNING
AFTERNOON
EVENING